President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed former Cross River State governor, Senator Prof. Ben Ayade, to step down from the 2027 senatorial race for Cross River North.

In a statement released on Monday, Ayade confirmed that he had complied with the President’s directive following a high-level consultation in Abuja.

“I yield to his request even as I pour tears of ill treatment and agony,” he said.

Ayade, who previously served as governor and senator, highlighted his contributions to the growth of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-South region. He noted that he was the first APC governor in the region and played a key role in strengthening the party’s structure in Cross River State.

He also recalled delivering a significant electoral margin for the APC during the 2023 presidential election and being among the earliest advocates for Tinubu’s candidacy.

Despite his support, Ayade expressed concern over what he described as years of political sidelining, noting that he has not received any federal appointment since leaving office.

The former governor appealed to the President to reconsider the directive, arguing that his constituency has had limited representation compared to his main opponent, who has spent about two decades in the National Assembly.